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When
you enter a home for the first time, your initial impression will most likely stick
with you throughout your entire visit, and maybe even remain for all subsequent
visits thereafter. At once you'll notice the interior decor, consider the
style of furnishings, chosen accent items, displayed artwork, and
other pieces presented by its owner.If
we consider first impressions important, it only makes sense that we would
extend this awareness to our own homes.

An
entryway and foyer can be easily discounted when designing a home, as it is generally
passed through quickly without much thought during the day. However, if
given the chance, this area can offer a wonderful and meaningful purpose within
the home. It is not only what guests will first see as they enter the house,
but also where the homeowners will return to from a day of facing the bustling
world outside. Why not make each return an immediately inviting one?
Knowing a comforting environment awaits you behind the front door can make even
the long days long forgotten.

Depending
on your preferences, you can keep things as simple or detailed as you wish, but
one thing to bear in mind, is that the entrance or foyer area will be what
you'll encounter first in your home. A lovely occasional chair and
console may be all you need in your entryway.You may also choose to add a few lamps and an accent
mirror to
brighten the space. As you'll be walking through the entrance more
regularly than most other areas of the home, ensure you'll have sufficient
space for foot traffic, and designate places for items you'll be leaving near
the entrance. For example, if you live in an area with fickle weather
patterns, you may wish to keep a coat and umbrella rack near the door. By
designating storage areas based on your lifestyle, you'll gain a newfound
appreciation for the convenience this space offers.

A
hallway is another area of the home that is often bypassed. But these
less lived-in areas, if viewed from the perspective of a visitor, can be seen
as significant passageways that express just as much beauty and purpose as any
other area in the home.

Limited
space doesn’t necessarily mean a limit on design.It’s true that hallways may only allow for
smaller furniture and minimal décor, which should be selected carefully. You'll
also need to allow enough area for walk-through space. However, don’t let
these limitations detract you from creating a meaningful area.Utilize the space for a symmetric and
dramatic passage, or to connect one room to another in a way that is also
visually arresting.

The
hallway above is a stunning example of combining graceful decor with efficient
design. Notice that lighting is flush with the ceiling which creates a
clean, airy appearance and brilliantly highlights the focus below: a
charmingly miniature lily pond. The self-contained pond sets a tranquil
feeling that inspires the rest of the space. This delightful hallway is
further enhanced by lit modern pedestals each carrying a small, yet elegant
flower arrangement.I challenge anyone
who would consider this “just a hallway”.It’s truly a wonder to behold.

Home libraries come in all shapes that tell us a unique story
about the owners who built it.Whether
you have T.S. Eliot and Edgar Allen Poe hanging out on your shelves, or a display of special travel mementos and family photos,
your personal library's contents says a great deal about who you are.

Photo via tumblr.

Bookshelves are a fun way to keep a myriad of wondrous
keepsakes, but it’s often overlooked as a way to display artwork and other
framed items. The delightful library above for example, puts to use
eye-catching color enhanced by plenty of natural light.Add a cozy sofa and accent rug and you have
yourself the perfect oasis for settling down with a favorite book.

An intricately carved wooden desk and vintage accent chair can bring your space that old-world
charm.Surround them with favorite oil
paintings and sketches to create a European-style setting. The
floor-to-ceiling shelving filled with collected hardcovers will make any
bookworm swoon.

An executive desk and formal sitting area complete with
a traditional loveseat, makes for an idyllic place for
casual meetings, should you also choose to use your library as a home office. Check the gorgeous glass-paneled wall
unit/bookcase, which keeps those cherished first editions
safe, yet proudly displayed.

Rounded, built-in bookcases work especially well with round
tables, giving a sense of infinite space as the eyes will never reach an
ending. The pastel blue of the curtains and tufted sofa complete the room with a hint of
color.

Home libraries will always have that endearing charm, one which
never fails to spark curiosity, as stacks of books, magazines and journals
promise a world of new insight and perspectives.

Perhaps the main appeal of home libraries is that they are the
only room in the house that takes you to places beyond its four walls - the
stories within bring memories of the past, dreams of the future, and
never-ending travel of the mind.

Perhaps
you have plans to furnish a living room area, and immediately think of placing a
sofa, coffee table and maybe a few arm chairs
together. However, if you've a larger living room space to fill, and are
at a loss for how to best utilize the extra space, here are some of our
favorite design tips.

One
insider tip well known by designers is that although symmetry in design is
visually appealing to the eyes, it is nonetheless unnecessary. Consider the
possibilities when focusing on an asymmetrical furniture layout design.
This may entail going with a single end table by the sofa, and placing an
additional occasional table by a cozy arm chair. Or it could mean mixing
and matching various shapes and styles of accent chairs within the room.
This design approach is not only freeing, but adds a certain depth of character
to your overall space, as you will have the opportunity to contribute more of
your taste and personality into your design.

Beautiful
interior designs which place comfort as a priority hold a special place in our
hearts, especially within living rooms. Living rooms after all, are
intended for living in, and your comfort level within your home plays an
important part in your overall well-being. For this reason, a cozy, occasional chair and ottoman positioned next
to patio doors to enjoy a cool, summer breeze is, for us, a most clever design
plan.

Larger
living areas afford more space to work with, and one never-fail option is to add
extra seating. One can never know when it’s needed!Perhaps you would like to display a
collection of decadent accent chairs, or maybe you prefer a large sectional or multiple sofas.
Whichever pieces you go with should ultimately factor in your lifestyle –
casual or formal, low maintenance or elegantly cozy. Whatever you choose,
take into account how you'd like to spend your time within that space, and focus
your design style around it.

Who We Are

Small Town Craft Fair was started by three creative small town women who love craft fairs. Since crafts fairs can often be far and few, they decided to create a virtual craft fair community that would be international and available all day, everyday.

This eclectic marketplace of hand-made, unique goods is a great place to browse, and most likely you'll find just what you're looking for. Our cozy craft-fair-like environment, and wide variety of hand-made, home-cooked, and home-grown goods will be sure to make you smile...